The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1887-06-15
Commencement Week at Clarksville

OOmm CuCcmcuL w eek dL CldTksVll1e
GAINESVILLE, TENN, June 9, 1887.
The Southwestern Presby terrain Universe
ty has just passed through its most success
full Commencement occasion. On Sabbath
morning Rev. Il. ID. Witherspoon, d. D., of
Louisville, KY, preached the Baccalaureate
Sermon from John, Sth chapter and 18th
verse: He that followeth me shall not walk
in darkness, but shall have the light of life"
The discourse was appreciated by the large
and intelligent audience, and sustained the
reputation of the distinguished divine.
At night, Rev. Thomas Cummins of
Vicksburg, addressed the Young Mems
Christian Association. His theme was
drawn from Acts, 18th chapter, 10Th verse:
What God hath cleansed, that call thou not
common" and was what God hath hallowed
do not thou attempt to unhallow." The
discussion was practical and the delivery
eloquent
On Tuesday night, before large audi
ence in Stewart Cabinet Hail." s. NJ.
Shelton, Esq, of Vicksburg, addressed the
Washington Irving and Stewart" Literary
Societies. He discussed with great ability
the question, "What is the true basis on
which rests the authority of the State to
enforce the Christian Sabbath? In a
compact and incisiye legal argument, he
showed that Christianity, being a part of
the Common Law of the land, as 1t has
been recognized by the different States and
courts), therefore, the State has a right to
enforce the Christian Sabbath. The speaker
quoted as authorities many eminent iu-
rists, showing that Christianity was recog-
nized, both by the Common Law of England
and America, and that, therefore, the State
has this right, etc.
Rev. John II. Boyd, of Winona, Miss,
addressed the Alumni Association. He an
nounced rs his subject: "a consideration of
the moral condition and tendencies of the
South" The young orator was thoroughly
impressed with the great question he was
discussing - the moral side of our new
South. We have the material resources to
make us great and prosperous, but we have
also the negro problem, the mortgage sys-
tenn and lien law, the treatment of our
criminal classes, the prevalence of mob
law, and crimes committed in violation of
law, and these are all factors that are
moulding public feeling and demoralizing
the public conscience, heart and life, whilst
Justice, honesty, humanity and purity are
ignored and trampled under foot. Then,
with a vitiated immigration pouring IN
upon us in the near future, and meeting the
decentralization these causes are producing,
the perils that threaten 'the moral side of
our new South" are terribly alarming. The
speaker is young alumnus of this Univer-
sity, and in his discussion of the subject
fully sustained the expectation of his many
friends as to his successful future work.
The sHallr was beautifully decorated with
eyerrreens and flowers, and above the stage
was the portrait of Vim. NJ. Stewart, the
early friend and patron of the Institution,
and the "banners'' of the two Literary So
cieties, all gracefully festooned with wreaths
and Southern moss. The ornaments were
remarkably tasteful in arrangement on
walls and stage.
On Monday night, orations were delivered
by representatives of the Literary Societies,
for the Joint medal" given to the success
full orator of chosen six"
The ssWashington Irving" was represent
ed by F. d. Daniel, Clarksville, Tenn
sBeauty, Mans Inspirations" R. Y. Hicks,
Shreveport, lathe Growth of Social
ISM" Z. w. Ford, Kosciusko, Miss.-"Alex-
ander Stephens"
The ssStewart" by W. A. Nisbet, Jones
boro, Ga-"The Advancing South" 5. b.
Kennedy, Lake Providence, La.-"Destruc-
tive Influences on Our National Character,
J.N Lyle, New Orleans, Persecution
as Factor in Human Advancement"
Much enthusiasm was manifested by the
societies and their friends, as their respect
i've speakers were announced. 1t was a
close contest for victory, and each speaker
had decided merits.
ON Tuesday forenoon, a deeply interested
audience greeted the .'seven" elected by the
Faculty to deliver competitive orations for
the ssspeaker's medal" in order, viz:
VIM. Caldwell, Senatobia, Miss.-"What
Shall We Do with Our Money!
s. J. Foster. Jr., Union Springs, Ala
ssThe Necessity for an Ideal in the Develop
ment of Character"
g. B. Mcleod, White Oak Springs, Ala
sThe Bridges"
W.T.. Palmer, New 0rleans-"The Ages
and the Poets"
T. II. Rice. Jr., Memphis = Sunsets
Prophecy" -
H. Richardson, yicksburg Missis
sippi Valley" NV
p. C. West, Lagrange. Ark.-sThe Amer
lean Laborer." -,
This was a personal contest, and witt
true knightly bearing the chosen speakers
in eloquent words and attractive oratory
competed for the coveted medal.
On Wednesday forenoon, the degree ora
| tions were ,.,,,,-
VIM. NJ. Anderson, Trenton, Tenn.-"Ihe
Goal of Nations
D.J. Brimm, Birmingham, Ala.-''Vol
Popuii vox Del"
". r. Dovd. Aberdeen, Miss" Physica
Culture. Necessary Part of Complet'
Education" .sr,.
w. I. Frierson, SheIbyville. Tenn.-Th'
Nature of Science"
81. NJ. Johnston, (excusedl Coidwater
AT;sz-eA Plea for Science"
| q. w. Patterson, Baton Rouge, La
81, abor. with Plea for the Co-operans
System u;..
Prohibition -
| a W. Trawick, (valedictorian) New Or
l,.ans-sThe Capabilities of the Humal
Mind not the Limits of Belief.'
Beautiful gold medals were honoraDl'
won and conferred, viz: IA. j. Nooos'
Meridian. Miss, for ''the greatest improve
ment during the year in the Stewart Socie.y
Harry 8. Bunting (now OF ciarkssai Is
| for the greatest improvement IN ~
lssWashington Irving Society. ne We
congratulated on being the youngest ssu
i dent in years and in study cisssInSa10l
Who had ever taken this medal IN the %
i ciefy. ..s.
In. Lyles, New Orleans, the JOINT meda
given by the Literary Societies.
TT II. Rice, Jr-, Memphis, Tenn, tn
lasneaker,s Medal" by the University.
Il q. o. Parish, Of Greenwood, MISS
Spencer Greek Medal. ur.
n. !. Brimm, Birmingham, Ala, In
Mack Biblical Medal
Chandler, in behalf Of the South
& vestern Presbyterian journal, received
. copy Of Macauleys works Tor Pll ~ 80 -,
nnfier the nom de plume 3Vidsx," IN the Sou'
Inal.
nAsrxz or AErs-
W.M. Anderson, Trenton, Tenn
=. D. Daniel, Clarksville, Tenn
81. NJ. Johnston, Coldwaters MISS.
81 N. Smylie, Clarksvilie, Tenn.
Il q. w. Trawick, New Orleans.
8 pkoHEron on ARTS.
Il j. Il. Boatrite, Columbus, Ga
& d. q. Brimm, Birmingham, Ala.
s conroy, Ciarksville, Tenn.
WI. Dowd, Aberdeen, Miss
-. - r.@uI 49,